The foul odour that has repeatedly disrupted classes at the Parika Salem Primary School appears to have subsided following intervention by the Region Three Health Department, but parents and former staff say the underlying problem has persisted for decades and are questioning how long the relief will last.
During a visit to the school on Tuesday, Kiskadee Watch found that there was no unpleasant smell in the compound.
A source at the school confirmed that the odour was absent at the time, saying, “It’s not smelling right now.”
The improvement comes after regional officials visited the school and implemented measures aimed at addressing the issue. A video released following an article previously published by Kiskadee Watch showed the school’s head teacher and Regional Democratic Council officials confirming that the offensive odour had dissipated after works were carried out.
However, Kiskadee Watch was informed that the problem is far from new.
A source close to the school said teachers had been instructed not to speak publicly to the media about the issue. The source explained that only recently, while teachers were marking examination papers, the odour returned with such intensity that both staff and students were forced to seek refuge in the school’s auditorium.
A former teacher also told Kiskadee Watch that the smell has plagued the school since at least 2004, describing it as a recurring problem that repeatedly affects the learning environment.
Parents have likewise expressed frustration, noting that the stench has disrupted classes for years. Some believe the only permanent solution is to relocate the school in the interest of students’ health and safety.
Kiskadee Watch was also told there have been discussions about closing the nearby burial ground to prevent future occurrences. However, there has been no official confirmation or public announcement indicating that such a decision has been made.
For now, the smell may be gone, but for parents, teachers and students who have endured the recurring nuisance for years, the larger question remains whether the latest intervention has solved the problem permanently or merely provided temporary relief.
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